Bernardo impresses for Portugal u21s, now do it for Celtic, Paulo

Paulo Bernardo played a starring roll as he skippered the Portuguese under 21s side to a 5-1 over their Croatian counterparts yesterday evening. Paulo also scored a neat finish as the Portuguese youngsters turned on the style in a fine display.

Paulo of course is currently on loan at Celtic from Benfica, and there is currently talk of our club taking up the option-to-buy clause in his contract this summer. There’s been a mixed reaction to that news due to Paulo’s form dip these past few weeks, but no one can deny that he’s a quality player. He’s the captain of a very talented Portuguese Under 21 side after all.

Paulo though, has got to start showing that form on a consistent basis at club level, starting on Sunday, if he is to win over the remaining doubters amongst the Celtic support. With Reo Hatate still not fully match fit and doubts over the fitness of Callum McGregor, Paulo will ultimately be handed a starting slot at Livingston on Sunday.

He’s got to grab this opportunity with both hands. He’s such a talented player and he’s got to show that for the rest of the title run in, especially with Reo and Calmac on the verge of returning and a trip to Ibrox looming.

Just in the same way Nicolas Kuhn took the opportunity to impress in Yang’s absence, Paulo has got to replicate that sort of form if he wants to stake a claim for a regular start in this Celtic side, and a permanent contract come the summer.

Over to you Paulo.